Dependency in Missions
About the Author
Ben spends most of his time working with underprivileged kids in Tijuana, Mexico, encouraging them to continue their education. He's an unofficial member of Iglesia Bautista Monte Horeb, which runs the elementary school, Centro Pedagógico Didaque.
“Let’s just wait until the next group comes to fix it.”
I’ve heard this statement a few times and it’s bad news. Dependency upon missionaries, short-term mission trip teams, or funds from first world countries are often commonplace. After many years of “western missions” into poor countries, in hindsight, dependency seems only obvious. In Tijuana alone there are tons of consequential examples.
But if we put on idealistic glasses, I think dependency is healthy—it’s certainly biblical. On the contrary, it’s unbiblical to be independent. Yet our nature and certainly the American mindset is to go it alone and provide for oneself. Buying your first car with your own money; putting yourself through school; starting a business from scratch and building it into a successful enterprise. These are all noteworthy and courageous. But let’s say you worked incredibly hard and received help along the way. Isn’t that just as good? Or maybe even better?
If we truly consider ourselves to be a part of the worldwide family of God, idealistically speaking, doesn’t this negate the idea of dependency? No one from a strong economic country can honestly say to someone in a poor country, “Just work hard and you’ll do just as well as I have.” That’s a lie, breaking under deductive reasoning.
My parents just told me about two private Christian schools in the States that folded due to lack of funding—not enough donors. Ideally speaking, wouldn’t it be great if they were still open? Even if they became dependent upon someone with funds to give? —A successful Christian businessman? —Or an inheritance fund from a live-below-her-means Christian lady who amassed a mini-fortune?
A school of this type would require a large sum of money to stay open. And if such a donation were received—even if it were month after month—most everyone would agree that the “outside money” provided is a wonderful thing. A Brother or Sister with extra capital helps fund a noble cause for the Kingdom. All sides would be thankful and content with the results. Rare would be the comment, “The parents of the enrolled students should pay the entire operational cost.” The word dependency would not even be brought up.
Yet if the school was in Mexico for example, and the money came from “regular folk” in the U.S., I’m guessing the first word to be thrown out would be dependency.
September 9th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Well said. Your example of the Christian school at home is exactly on target, which just shows how we use two different sets of norms when we avaluate dependency.
A few minutes ago I posted my views on exactly the same topic when I did a short review on John Rowell’s book: To give or not to give? You can find it on my blog at http://missionissues.wordpress.com/ and you will also find links to my two reviews on Glenn Schwarz’s book: When Charity destroys dignity, which holds an opposing view. I would appreciate your comments there as well.
September 12th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Hello everyone. My name is Bethany and my husband and I do missions overseas to India, Africa, Philippines, and hopefully Pakistan.
We are having trouble getting financial help and would like some advise.
Thanks so much!
September 13th, 2007 at 5:01 am
Financing missions is always difficult. I would suggest that you start with a group that will commit themselves to prayer for your ministry. Obviously finances will also have to be prayed about. I have seen time and time again how the Lord provides the money that is needed.
October 2nd, 2007 at 2:26 am
Hi: My wife and I have been active missionaries in Papua New Guinea as well as planting a church here in the USA during our time here. We have always made it out practice not to disclose our amount needed when speaking in churches to raise funds, but we lift the need up to our Lord who called us into this work and he has never failed to supply the amount needed, some times to the exact amount.
Two years ago we established a nation wide ministry in PNG and have returned to the USA to continue to raise funds for the on going expansion of that work. We believe that the Lord is directing us to build a large chain of HIV/AIDS care centers along with planting churches. We have put together the amount needed to build the first center and supporting village industries to assist the ongoing projects, and feel that we need to reach out to foundational support of this venture, so onec again we believe that God will direct us to the right foundation and bless them as they provide the financing .
We believe that where God leads he also will provide for the work he has put in front of us, but we need to step out in faith believing. I think you and your husband know what I am saying. May He lead you and provide for all your hearts desire.
October 2nd, 2007 at 7:50 am
Don writes: “I think you and your husband know what I am saying.”
Just so that our readers are clear, I believe Don is responding to Bethany Sudler’s comment above.
October 23rd, 2007 at 8:18 am
Ben,
You’re right that we shouldn’t be throwing around the word “dependency” at the first sniff of benevolence. However, I would add two points.
1. Cross-cultural dependency brings danger by relieving local (read: Mexican) Christians of their biblical responsibility to care for the poor in their own community. If our cross-cultural ministry diminishes local believers’ motivation to invest in God’s work in their community - even if they would only be giving pennies - then we are robbing our Mexican brothers and sisters of their God-given role. Scroll down to the story of Marcos in this article for an example: http://www.missionfrontiers.org/2000/03/mexico.htm
2. We can unwittingly send unbiblical messages about the identity of the poor when we give in certain ways. I won’t go into a lengthy explanation here, but this idea is unpacked on the Poverty Unlocked podcast. http://www.povertyunlocked.com
Again, Ben, great post. I’m glad to have found your site.
Wendy
October 26th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Wendy,
Nice article written by Rick (Ricardo) Johnson. I believe I met him a couple of years back.
The story of Marcos is impressive. Do you know if he is still in action?
April 24th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Thank you so much everyone for responding! May God bless you!